Best Bully Sticks is re-launching stuffed shin bones in a big way! The ever popular bone is back and is better than ever. We are now taking a hollowed out natural shin bone (no bleach added); this shin bone will be a natural yellowish brown color, and adding a stuffing to it. Our new stuffing is only two ingredients (green beef tripe and cassava).

Each shin bone is approximately 5-6 inches in length and individually shrink wrapped. Green beef tripe is great for dogs because it contains digestive enzymes and many vitamins and minerals which contribute to overall health. We are also using the Cassava in the stuffing. The Cassava or Yucca is widely known as the “South American Sweet Potato”. This root vegetable is extremely high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. This vegetable provides the “glue” for the stuffing and adds another healthy component to the bone.

We appreciate your business and enjoy bringing you healthy, natural, chews and treats the way that nature intended!

As always, if you feel we are missing something in our catalog please let us know.

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We are pleased to announce the launch of Brake-Fast dog bowls on Best Bully Sticks! These bowls are innovative, award-winning, and a healthy option for quick eaters! The bowls, which are made by a company in Virginia Beach, are made from either plastic or metal and come in a variety of sizes. The benefit of these bowls are the physical obstacles placed in them to require dogs to slow down when eating their food.

According to the manufacturer Brake-Fast Bowls:

Helps reduce the risk of Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV or ‘Bloat’)

Slower eating makes an animal feel more full and reduces instances of ‘re-eating’

Veterinarian tested and recommended

Works with kibble or canned food

Elegant, no-tip shape

Durable, dishwasher safe plastic

We think that this a great, new, innovative product that provides a healthy alternative for quick eaters!

Please check out our growing selection of all sorts of dog related items and be sure to check back often as we plan new releases on a weekly basis!

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Picture of Beautiful French Mastiff Scarlett (photo by @stellascarlett)

Height: Males 23½ to 27 in & females 22½ to 25½ in

Weight: Males 110 lbs & females 99 lbs

Coat:short, fine, and soft to the touch.

Color: They can come in shades of fawn (light, coppery red) to mahogany (dark, brownish red) with a black, brown or red mask. White markings are permitted on the tips of the toes and on the chest, but white on any other part of the body is considered a fault, and a disqualifying one if the pigmentation goes beyond the neck.

Appearance: The French Mastiff (aka Dogue de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Mastiff) looks quite intimidating, and indeed, it can be so. These dogs have a rectangular appearance and generally stand between 25 and 30 inches tall at the shoulder. Many specimens weigh in around 145 pounds. They have fairly thick tails that taper to a point that stretches down to the back of their hocks. Their build is stocky and powerful, but their most impressive feature is their heads.

The ideal head is massive and equipped with strong jaws. Loose jowls cause these dogs to drool. The eyes are oval-shaped and wide-set. Their skin is fairly loose and quite thick with significant wrinkles on the head, face and neck. The ears are relatively short and hang downward.

Temperament: The French Mastiff is calm, balanced and affectionate. Breeders have softened the temperament of this dog quite a bit from his original ferocity; today the Bordeaux has a good and calm temperament. This breed is extremely loyal, patient and devoted to its family. It makes a first class watch and guard dog. Despite its fearsome appearance, the French Mastiff is gentle with children and family members. This dog can be very aggressive with other dogs. Socialization at an early age is a must. It is highly recommended that this dog become fully obedience trained, requires an experienced owner. It is highly intelligent and learns quickly although it can be quite stubborn. Once the French Mastiff learns a command it rarely forgets it.

Health: The life expectancy for French Mastiff is about 10-12 years. As with many heavy dogs, hip dysplasia is a significant problem. Dogues de Bordeaux are also susceptible to some forms of cancer. One breed-specific ailment has to do with the Dogue’s larger-than-average head, which can cause trouble for female Dogues during the birthing process. Veterinary assistance should usually be secured if you plan to breed your Dogues de Bordeaux–the breed has a fairly high litter size, but problems with birthing (and with the extremely large dogs accidentally crushing or smothering their litters) can reduce this very quickly.

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Please know you sources! There is now a huge influx of “bully sticks and other natural treats” coming into the US market from India. Several private labeled brands in the US are advertising these products as free-range, grass fed, and all natural. The Indian buffalo market (not even beef) is unregulated and has several health concerns that we will discuss below. Several companies have approached us, from India, offering lower costs of raw material, but we are committed to a high quality natural product; so we have decided to use only free-range beef from Brazil for our chews.

The bully sticks that we sell are only from cattle considered “green cattle” as they are not given hormones or fed corn, which cattle are not accustom to. Our cattle graze freely on open grass fields and grow naturally. Products from India are almost always sun-dried, not baked and are not regulated like the bully sticks we offer on our site. Although, it is much cheaper to sun dry bully sticks and other natural treats, the bad outweighs the good. Our bully sticks are vertically baked to drain any residual liquid from the product. Sun dried product is many times laid horizontally, out in the sun, so residual liquid remains in the product. This product typically has a high level of odor to it (a urine smell), or a chemical added to it to help with the smell. There is also higher potential for diseases, such as foot and mouth disease, and the finished product is routinely affected with bacteria because the products temperature during cooking is not well regulated. Also, because they are exposed to the environment, there is a great chance of bugs. Although our treats are sometimes more expensive, the quality of the product remains high, and you do not have to worry about any of these issues with our products.

Many people ask why not make bully sticks from North American cattle? The reason for this is that not only is it expensive, but most of the cattle in the US is kept in feedlots and encouraged to grow at a much faster rate (growth hormones) than is natural. In addition, the US has very little grazing land, which forces farmers to over populate grazing areas.

Prior to purchasing any bully stick products you should first ask your pet store or online vendors the country of origin for their bully sticks and treats. Don’t worry; they are legally obligated to inform you. We think your dogs’ health is most important, which is why we pay close attention to these types of details and only offer products that we feel comfortable feeding our own dogs.

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Canine diabetes, is when a dog’s body is unable to make enough blood sugar to survive. Diabetes in dogs is nearly identical to Type II diabetes in humans. Known as a silent killer, if not detected is a serious disease that strikes both people & dogs and if left untreated can cause serious health complications. The key to prevention is first knowing the symptoms & causes for canine diabetes. So, we are here to help by giving you the facts which can ultimately save your pets life.

Its important for all pet owners to recognize the signs of diabetes so you can seek proper vet care. But do keep in mind to always seek the advice of your vet for a proper diagnoses since many ailments can have similar symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Canine Diabetes? Here are a list of symptoms that are diabetes red flags and if your dog has any multiple of these symptoms seek a vet immediately for proper care.

1. Extreme thirst. This is the body’s attempt to rid itself of excess glucose.

2. Frequent urination. The dog may even have accidents in the house because he’s unable to hold it long enough to get outside.

3. Shivering or shakiness can be a symptom of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, which is an emergency. Wrap the pet in a blanket to keep him warm, and take him to the vet right away.

4. Unexplained weight loss, even though the dog is eating ravenously.

5. Weakness and lethargy. The pet is tired all the time, and seems to have lost interest in life.

6. Lowered resistance to infections. Recurring urinary tract infections are common in diabetic dogs because the high sugar content in the urine encourages bacterial growth.

7. Breath smells sweet or fruity. If the dog’s breath smells like nail polish remover, this is a symptom of ketoacidosis, which requires immediate veterinary treatment.

8. Abdominal Pain. Some owners notice that the dog will yell when getting up or lying down, or when petted in the abdominal area. Damage to the pancreas is the reason for the pain.

9. Sudden Cataracts. Cataract forms when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and opaque resulting in blindness, vision loss & impairment. When diabetes strikes, the blood sugar levels rise all over the body. Glucose in the eyeball is absorbed into the lens. In turn, this causes the lens to absorb more water, which causes the cloudiness and vision loss in cataracts.

Pinpointing the causes of diabetes can lower your pets risk of developing this disease. So what are the causes of canine diabetes?

1. Canine Obesity. Dogs that are overweight have a higher risk of getting diabetes. If your dog is obese, his body will require an increased amount of insulin; when the required amount exceeds the amount your dog’s pancreas can produce, the result is diabetes.

Your dog should be eating a high-quality canned food high in fiber and low in fats and carbohydrates. Some dog owners are even going the extra mile by making their own dog food. We know it can be tempting with those puppy eyes, but avoid feeding table scraps and treats, which are very high in sugar.

2. Reproductive Hormones. Fluctuations in your dog’s hormonal cycle can disrupt insulin regulation. Therefore, spaying your dog not only curbs the problem of pet overpopulation, but can reduce your dogs risk of being diagnosed with diabetes. Particularly, middle-aged females are 2-3 times more likely to develop diabetes in canines than male dogs are. The hormone estrogen can interfere with insulin production.

4. Steroids. If your dog is being given regular doses of glucocorticoids or progestagens, he could develop diabetes. Steroids can disrupt pancreas function, causing the under-production of insulin.

5. Illness. Diabetes can be triggered by another illness. If your dog already suffers from certain conditions, such as chronic pancreatitis or Cushing’s disease, she is at higher risk for developing diabetes.

What is treatment for diabetes?

Management of your dogs diabetes starts first with a proper diet that consist of low fat and low sugar meals. Speak with your vet to determine a strict eating regimin of what your dog should or should not be ingesting. It will be necessary to feed the dog twice a day to avoid dips and spikes in blood sugar levels. You will also have to learn how to monitor the pet’s blood glucose levels, and also how to give insulin shots twice a day.

Daily, consistent & low impact excercise such as walking or swimming is a great natural way to regulate your dogs blood sugar levels & trim the waistline. Consult your vet prior to setting up a canine excercise program for your diabetic pup. As always keep a close eye on your dog to make sure your dog does not suffer from hypoglycemia. Sure sign that your dogs blood sugar levels are low is dizziness and shakiness. One trick is to carry little syrup or honey in a dropper to squirt in the pet’s mouth or to rub on the gum’s to increase the blood sugar to normal levels.

Here are a list of natural herbs straight from mother nature can be helpful in controlling your dogs diabetes:

1. Fenugreek is high in fiber, which slows down digestion causing glucose to enter the bloodstream more slowly, preventing spikes in blood sugar after a meal. This herb stimulates the release of insulin. It also slows down the enzymes that break down carbohydrates, which helps to regulate blood glucose levels.

Remember that being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean the end of the world for you & your dog. Good news!! With proper diet, regular vet checkups, and being aware of causes & symptoms your dog can live a long healthy life!

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

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If your dog loves Baa Baa Q’s or lamb treats they will be sure to love our puffed lamb lung. These treats are high in protein and low in fat and help provide the energy that your dog needs. These treats are also great for puppies and older dogs because of their soft, melt in your mouth consistency. They are great for training treats because they can easily be broken into smaller pieces. They are from US lambs and are processed in a USDA approved, human grade facility. These come in either a 1 lb. or 2 lb. resealable zip lock bag.

We cut these in thinner pieces than a typical lamb lung on the slicer so they won’t be as thick as others, but there are more of them in the bag!

Organ meats like lamb lungs are extremely high in nutrition and protein like taurine so they make great healthy options for training treats!

Please make sure to checkout our growing selection of Lamb Dog Treats primarily made from US free ranging lamb; so far they have all been a hit! As always, if there is something you find out there that you would like us to carry please let us know and we will look into it!

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We always love to get update on how our four legged prized athlete is doing competing around the country. Best Bully Sticks is proud and honored to be Montana’s official sponsor. Congrats on all your success!!

1st event: Ultimate Air Dogs event- Dupage Co Fair- Chicago, IL

Highlights: Montana had a PB of 19’10” during the Senior Division Finals of Ultimate Air and took 2nd place in her division. Eric & Montana tried a new event for them called Catch It- Dog has to catch the toy for the jump to be scored. Montana caught her toy both times and placed 6th overall on the first time event. Next UAD event will be the Ultimate Air Games in Imlay City, Michigan in September.

Montana in UAD Catch It Event!

Ultimate Air Dog Montana in Action!

Hooray!! UAD Montana with her ribbon.

2nd event: DockDogs event- Washington Fair- St Louis, MO

Highlights: Team Karman/Montana placed 1st in the Speed Retrieve Express division during their first round and qualified for SR finals in which they earned their Speed Retrieve Express title. Team Eric/ Montana had (2 )2nd place finishes in Big Air Waves & placed 3rd in the Speed Retrieve Express Division.They also had 3 PB’s back to back to back, 2 of which came in the finals round of Big Air. Montana likes to save the best for last! Montana’s biggest jump of the weekend was an 18’11” jump which earned her 4th place in the Semi-Pro Finals for the weekend.

Next stop for team Montana will be at the Illinois State Fair in a few weeks. Then off to Nationals in October in Ohio which will conclude the DockDogs season until January 2010. So stayed tuned to our blog to read more about her progress as Montana competes in upcoming events. Best Bully Sticks is proud to sponsor its first canine athlete, please join us in rooting her on and wishing her luck.

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Do you know what time it is? It’s bath time! Bath time with your dog should be fun, relaxing and good bonding experience for you both. Cleanliness and proper grooming sessions are good for your dogs overall health. Remember your dog should only be bath as needed. Over bathing your dog can strip away their natural, protective oils, dry out there already sensitive skin. Here are some tips that will make sudsing up your muddy & dirty pup a breeze. So go ahead and take the plunge!

1. Location! You can bath your dog in your tub at home or go to a a self service dog wash. These self service dog wash not only make it easier to bath your pooch. not to mention easier on your knees and back. Small dogs can be bath in your sink. If you decide to bath your dog outside consider hooking up the hot water to the hose to get the water warm, because no dog likes cold water.

2. Bath Supplies- Whether you are bathing your dog at home or at a self service dog wash gathering the right bath time supplies is key.

Brushes and combs — choose the right weapon of choice to tackle that matted coat. depending on your dog’s hair type.

Bath mat so you and your dog won’t slip and hurt your funny bone.

Appropriate attire that you don’t mind getting wet.

Treats galore!!

Prior to putting your dog in the tub don’t forget to brush to remove tangles or mats, which can be harder to deal with once your dog is wet.

3. Soak up!-Get your dog wet from head to paw but make sure you test the waters first to make sure it is not to hot or to cold. Making sure to avoid your dogs eyes & ears. Many dogs have water resistant coats so make sure your dog is properly soaked. To prevent your dog from shaking and soaking you from head to toe keep one hand on his or her head.

4. Apply Shampoo– Lather up your dogs wet coat with shampoo that contains a moisturizer, but be cautious & avoid eyes, face & gential area. Apply a little bit at a time to avoid using to much. One lathering trick is to mix 2 part shampoo with one part water. For easier application you can put the mixer in a spray bottle or plastic container.

5. Scrub a Dub Dub!– Take your time to rub, scrub & massage your dogs coat for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Don’t forget to clean their dirty paws. Using a rubber scrubber made for dogs help with the massaging.

6. Time to Rinse!– Throughly rinse & remove all shampoo lather & residue by applying a warm stream of water to your dogs coat. Do not forget to rinse your dogs paws, skin folds or crevices.

7. Shake & Dry– This is the part your dog has been waiting for, so stand back and let your dog have a good shake. You can finish the job by gently squeezing out excess water and then drying him with towels. If you do decide to use a fur dryer make sure to put it on low or no heat. If you bathe your dog at a self-service tub, a forced-air dryer might be available. Careful — these dryers are powerful so turn it up as high as your dog tolerates. But make sure to stay away from the face, eyes and ears. Once completely dry, thoroughly brush your dog out. 8. Spot is Spotless! Now that you have a clean, perhaps you should bring the fun indoors so your dog can avoid mud puddles & mud pies. Don’t forget to praise & reward your dog with treats for being such a good boy or girl.

Please make sure to check out our growing selection of dog treats, dog chews and of course bully sticks. Also, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for Best Bully Stick News, New Products & Discounts!!

Color: Vary from white to black, including fawn, gray, red, or brown, and any pattern from solid to pinto to brindle.

Appearance: Built for speed, the greyhound features long, muscular back legs, straight front legs, and a streamlined body. Its back is muscular and strong, featuring a very flexible, arched spine. The feet offer great leverage with their long, narrow shape. Overall, the head is long and narrow, and it features a long, powerful muzzle with strong, even teeth. With a spirited and intelligent expression, the eyes of the greyhound are both dark and bright. The ears are small, generally folded back, and sit on the widest part of the skull. The neck is graceful and blends smoothly into the arched back. The long tail is curved slightly upward and is carried low.

Temperament: Although greyhounds are extremely fast and athletic, and despite their reputation as racing dogs, they are not high-energy dogs. They are sprinters, and although they love running, they do not require extensive exercise. Most are quiet, gentle animals. An adult greyhound will stay healthy and happy with a daily walk of as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Greyhounds have been referred to as “Forty-five mile per hour couch potatoes.Gentle, quiet, and affectionate, the greyhounds make wonderful pets. This breed is loyal, friendly, and sensitive.

Unlike breeds that must be socialized as puppies to temper their dominant tendencies, the Greyhound needs early socialization to give it confidence and build self assurance. A Greyhound puppy that is not accustomed to noise and people at an early age can be excessively fearful of loud or persistent sounds and painfully timid with strangers. The greyhound is good with children but rough-housing with the dog should be discouraged. The greyhound is not prone to excessive barking and is generally easy to housebreak. This breed is even-tempered and graceful – a loyal dog that makes an excellent companion.

Health: The life expectancy for Greyhounds is about 10-13 years. Greyhounds are typically a healthy and long-lived breed, and hereditary illness is rare. Some greyhounds have been known to develop esophageal achalasia, bloat (gastric torsion), andosteosarcoma. Because the greyhound’s lean physique makes it ill-suited to sleeping on hard surfaces, owners of companion greyhounds generally provide soft bedding; without bedding, greyhounds are prone to develop painful skin sores.

Due to the unique physiology and anatomy of greyhounds, a veterinarian who understands the issues relevant to the breed is generally needed when the dogs need treatment, particularly whenanaesthesia is required. Greyhounds cannot metabolize barbiturate-based anesthesia as other breeds can because they have lower amounts of oxidative enzymes in their livers. Greyhounds demonstrate unusual blood chemistry, which can be misread by veterinarians not familiar with the breed; this can result in an incorrect diagnosis.

Greyhounds have higher levels of red blood cells than other breeds. Since red blood cells carry oxygen to the muscles, this higher level allows the hound to move larger quantities of oxygen faster from the lungs to the muscles. Greyhounds have lower levels of platelets than other breeds. Veterinary blood services often use greyhounds as universal blood donors.

Famous Greyhounds

Santa’s Little Helper- Simpson’s Cartoon Peritas- owned by Alexander the Great Byron & Blucher owned by General George Custer

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We are excited to bring a new, customer requested product line to you. Snack 21 only uses one ingredient, wild pacific fish and nothing else. All of Snack 21’s products are 100% manufactured at their plant in Canada; from the cutting of the fish to the packaging of product to ensure quality and freshness.

All of their products contain absolutely no additives, preservatives, coloring or artificial flavoring. They also are a natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, natural vitamins and minerals. You can be assured that you are giving your pooch only the best, their products are made from Wild Pacific fish only, with no by-products or fillers.

From salmon sushi rolls to wild caught herring fillets, to one of our new favorites the salmon skin bone, you really can’t go wrong with trying anything in this line. Sushi and Espy (Our Two Pugs) have tried it all and give it two paws way up!!

We hope that you enjoy this excellent line of all natural wild caught fish dog chews….

We launched this line as a recommendation from a customer, so please let us know if you feel like we are missing something on the site and we will promise to look into it!